Election Returns

Photo Galleries

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is putting an end to rumors that he’s up for a Cabinet position in the Obama administration.

Villaraigosa says in a statement Friday that he’s “flattered and humbled” by the speculation, but that he is “firmly committed” to staying in Los Angeles and finishing his term. His term as mayor of the nation’s second-largest city ends June 30.

Villaraigosa has been mentioned as a possible candidate to replace Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, who announced his departure this week. Villaraigosa has pushed for increased rail service in Los Angeles and served as chairman of last year’s Democratic National Convention.

He says he will be focused on his job as mayor until the final second of his second term.